Hyundai IONIQ pictures and technical specs surfaced online before debut

Kuala Lumpur/Seoul: Hyundai has finally come out with the pictures and technical innovations of its much anticipated IONIQ car. The Hyundai IONIQ is world's first car to feature electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains in a single body type. The company has officially presented its technical specs after showcasing it at the Namyang R&D Center in South Korea.

IONIQ is specifically built on a unique chassis that can comfortably carry three different kinds of powertrains with ultra-low emissions. The car boasts a 53% Advanced High Strength Steel which is mutated with the cleverly used lightweight aluminum body. This idea has saved around 12.6 kg (45%) of body weight by casting the extra bodywork like a hood, tailgate, and suspensions from this material. Besides the weight saving functionality, Hyundai's has used High Strength Steel to craft the crash structure, which is an innovative thinking to allow high energy absorption during a crash, enhancing the safety of occupants.

Hyundai IONIQ will straightly go against the Toyota Prius in the Hybrid market segment. It features a similar body structure and aerodynamics which makes it resemble a lot to the widely appreciated Toyota Prius. Besides which the Ioniq uses the similar dual-clutch transmission to that of Prius sending power to the front wheels.

Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, "IONIQ Embodies Hyundai Motor's new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility.”

Hyundai has worked a lot on the Ioniq to make it iconic. The company says that their major goal was to provide dynamic ride and handling from the Ioniq which can clearly set apart it's Japanese rival Toyota Prius. For better handling, Hyundai meticulously worked upon the architecture of the car by positioning the batteries low and up-front, so that the car can achieve a low center of gravity. This will enable enhanced responsiveness and stable cornering while driving. Also, Hyundai has added a dual lower arm multi-link rear suspension to the car, which will even better handling efficiency.

Talking about the powertrain of this car, one might get seriously confused as the Korean carmaker has bestowed three choices of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, which can be counted as first in the world. Hyundai Ioniq engine is a 1.6-liter Kappa GDi which is exclusively developed by Hyundai for its hybrid cars. This engine is mated with a permanent magnetic electric motor, that combined delivers a power output of 105 PS (Engine) and 47 PS(Motor) .

The Pre-orders for the Hyundai Ioniq have already started in Korea. Although, the IONIQ is due for a world debut later this month. Stay tuned with us for regular updates of this Hyundai's new entry in the Hybrid segment.